Volunteer awards showcase local heroes

Jefferson Award for Public Service Foundation winner Carole Curry tears up as she addresses the crowd at the Tallahassee Democrat’s 38th Annual Volunteers of the Year Award ceremony at the University Center Club on Thursday, May 5, 2016.(Photo: Joe Rondone/Democrat)Buy Photo

When Carole Curry got to the podium to accept the 2016 Jefferson Award for Public Service, she had to speak through some tears of joy. As she approached the stage, the hundreds gathered in Florida State’s University Center Club ballroom were on their feet applauding.

Curry has been a mentor to the same special needs student, Joshua, for more than six years. She began as his mentor when he was about six years old and has made the transition with him to different schools. She recently began volunteering at Griffin Middle School, where he now attends.

“I never expected this, but I’m honored. I want to thank my baby Joshua, who I’ve been following since second grade,” Curry said.

During her short but powerful acceptance speech, Curry quoted a friend who used to do workshops in Leon County Schools, saying “Even on your worst day, you may be some child’s only hope.”

“I often think about that because I have fibromyalgia. Those of you who know about fibromyalgia, you never know when you might be in really bad pain. And sometimes I think ‘I just can’t do anymore.’ And then I think about Joshua.”

For 38 years, the Tallahassee Democrat has been recognizing the selfless service of individuals like Curry at its annual Volunteers of the Year Awards program. For winning the Jefferson Award, Curry will be sent on a trip sponsored by CenturyLink to Washington, D.C., to represent the Tallahassee area at the National Jefferson Award banquet in June.

Curry was the overall winner of the education field, but awards were given to volunteers in a number of categories.

Outstanding volunteers in the categories of arts, health and wellness, volunteer coordinators, social and civic services, business and government agencies, students and nonprofit groups were all called to the stage for recognition.

“Being in this room, you really understand why we have such a special community to live in,” Superintendent Jackie Pons said. “Sometimes we forget about all the individuals, those that help us raise dollars for the classroom and those that are in the classrooms every day.”The event also was in partnership with Leon County Schools and its annual volunteer recognition program.The Council on Culture and Arts sponsored the arts category.

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Jefferson Award for Public Service Foundation winner Carole Curry tears up as she is congratulated by Marketing Manager Leslie Smith during Tallahassee Democrat’s 38th Annual Volunteers of the Year Award ceremony at the University Center Club on Thursday, May 5, 2016. Joe Rondone/Democrat

Leon County School Superintendent Jackie Pons hugs Amy Bentley after she received an award at the Tallahassee Democrat’s 38th Annual Volunteers of the Year Award ceremony at the University Center Club on Thursday, May 5, 2016.
Joe Rondone/Democrat

Sue Stelzmann is congratulated on stage as a finalist during theTallahassee Democrat’s 38th Annual Volunteers of the Year Award ceremony at the University Center Club on Thursday, May 5, 2016. Joe Rondone/Democrat

Jack Pittman, from left, Frieda Hutchinson and Dan Taylor share a moment on stage after being announced as finalists during the Tallahassee Democrat’s 38th Annual Volunteers of the Year Award ceremony at the University Center Club on Thursday, May 5, 2016. Joe Rondone/Democrat

Lois Burnette of The Trent Trot walks to the stage after being announced as a finalist during the Tallahassee Democrat’s 38th Annual Volunteers of the Year Award ceremony at the University Center Club on Thursday, May 5, 2016. Joe Rondone/Democrat

Jefferson Award for Public Service Foundation winner Carole Curry tears up as she addresses the crowd at the Tallahassee Democrat’s 38th Annual Volunteers of the Year Award ceremony at the University Center Club on Thursday, May 5, 2016. Joe Rondone/Democrat

COCA board chair Rosanne Wood was called up to name the finalists in the art category.

“COCA does an amazing job with the schools and supporting the arts, and today we’re here to honor and recognize the artists,” Wood said.

Sue Dick, president and CEO of the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce, lauded the volunteers who were being honored. They are one reason Tallahassee is an attractive destination, Dick said.

“This is a community where you can become involved,” she added. “One of our greatest competitive advantages is our quality of life in our community, and it’s because of our volunteerism and our citizens who give back.”

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Leon County School Superintendent Jackie Pons hugs Amy Bentley after she received an award at the Tallahassee Democrat’s 38th Annual Volunteers of the Year Award ceremony at the University Center Club on Thursday, May 5, 2016.(Photo: Joe Rondone/Democrat)